Café No Sé (Meaning Cafe I Don't Know) - a fine establishment in Antigua, Guatemala and the perfect line for why you sometimes find yourself where you do. Although any decision comes from a line of thinking and probably research, it is also the result of a multiplicative of previous decisions whether they are your decisions or those of a woman teaching a class in Belgrade. This is the level of interconnected complexity that humans find themselves within each day and try to, as my father says, "Make the best decision possible" given the obvious reality that our actual ability to control outcomes and events is incredibly minute.
Given this background of thinking, I find myself staring out my 20th floor window looking on the sometimes beautiful, sometimes miserable city of São Paulo. Its first impressions have never done it justice in my eyes, though, as the real beauty of São Paulo is in its spirit, its people and their fruits showcased in world-class restaurants, diverse array of art, incredibly amicable bar scenes, an exceptionally go-go attitude for the productive mind and, also, their understanding of just how important their local economy is to the whole of Brasil. This is a city that sets the agenda for the country, economically-speaking. It is where decision makers reside and the future developments in the country take shape. I say this knowing quite well the enormous power the government in Brasilia exudes upon every Brasilian, but also knowing that the private sector and the people that constitute it are much stronger for surviving the infinitely backwards policies the government puts in place to force outcomes. Brasil has found a way to grow and its people have found their bearings, thus bringing about the "Brasilian Miracle 2.0". With high growth trumping that of other economies, Brasil's seemed to defy the global slowdown; now, unfortunately, a slowdown in commodity demand from China has brought that same reality to Brasil... But I digress.
Along with the absolute joy (beach, sun, fun) I attained earlier this year when I traveled through Brasil, it was the combination of conversations with those I trust and my innate feelings that exhumed me to make the mad-dash to deny a summer in Dallas within the financial sector and jump ship to the seemingly exotic and chosen Samba economy (If I may, I love samba - the way bodies move, out of control - one of the many reasons Brasil is more than a rational choice). Beyond multitudes of readings and research that one undertakes when making a large decision, I have realized that it is a combination of gut and heart derived from an array of poignant moments that constitutes the real basis of the final decision. Yes, I can explain to others my rational belief that the budding venture capital scene in São Paulo vis-à-vis that of the mature US market provides more of an opportunity considering the growing middle class and the rapid adoption of mobile technologies and is the primary reason for my coming, and, yes, I can explain how it will provide a solid fill for my resume/CV - But in reality, my reason came down to my visceral and innate pursuit of my version of happiness in relation to the mosaic of my life's experiences and fortuitous connections gained over time. It came down to a desire for love, adventure and education; to live a full life. There is no better an education gained than when putting yourself in the maze of another country and no better motivator than to stand agains the start reality that you must grow/change/adapt or face failure and losing the qualities you came for.
Stepping into the unknown, as I have done quite often in my life, has led me to grow beyond my given identity and create a space of my own that I have developed through a plethora of both wondrous and challenging moments in a variety of environments far away from what I started knowing. Of course, we all prefer the former experiences in life (I do, no doubt), but sometimes those letdowns are the change agent needed to reach your real potential. Sometimes being sozinho - alone - every now and then gives you the great perspective and wisdom that only a bird's eye view or the ancient gaze of a mountain can provide to this hive of activity we envelope ourselves within. It allows you to see past failures and realize they positioned you for the greater success - failures rid the old in anticipation of the new and prepare you to face these opportunities.
As I stare out at the sometimes bleak, sometimes deeply precious blue sky that hangs over São Paulo and contemplate my exact reasons for being here, I have found that, to be completely honest, there is not an entirely rational equation for it - in reality, it is a combination of my drive to experience a challenging life that provides the best opportunity to attain my desired lifestyle and my close conversations within my trusted circle of hearts and minds that has placed me on my current path. Add a genuine love for travel and culture, a curious mind for interesting nightlife and the challenge of living within another system of government and you have the key influencers of my stay in Sampa. Sometimes sozinho, other times within the center of it all, I have found a path in life that continues to rewards difficult decisions, a move out of the comforts of the known and a persistent belief in continuous, on-my-feet education. Yes, this is why I am here.
written in São Paulo, Brasil
No comments:
Post a Comment